Join TSET in making the journey to school safe, active and fun for all
OKLAHOMA CITY — Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is encouraging Oklahoma students, families and school staff to get active and roll into class this May 8 in celebration of National Bike and Roll to School Day. The event also encourages communities across the state to promote safe, accessible routes for students who choose to bike, walk, scoot, skate or roll to school - including those in wheelchairs, strollers or other mobility devices.
“Bike and Roll to School Day is a great reminder of the importance of safe, active transportation options for students and families,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET’s executive director. “This event brings communities together and highlights how starting the day with physical activity can boost energy, focus and overall well-being for Oklahoma kids.”
Building communities where walking and biking are part of daily routines supports healthier lifestyles for both kids and adults. Activities like walking or biking to school can strengthen fitness levels and lower the risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Communities can support healthy habits by encouraging local schools, families and neighbors to take part in the nationwide observance. For safety, participants are encouraged to travel in pairs or groups. Adults can assist children in mapping out a safe route, ensuring they wear helmets when biking, cross streets carefully and stay alert during their commute.
To learn more about National Bike and Roll to School Day, visit walkbiketoschool.org, where you’ll find ideas and best practices from the National Center for Safe Routes to School. This year, the organization is hosting its first-ever image contest, allowing communities a chance to show their pride and dedication to safe, active travel for youth. For more ideas on staying active and living healthier at any age, explore the tips and tools at ShapeYourFutureOK.com.
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Shape Your Future is a community health education intervention that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free. Shape Your Future strives to educate parents, teachers, caregivers and all Oklahomans on how to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Find more information online at ShapeYourFutureOK.com.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health